As exposure to pesticides, food additives, air pollution and other chemicals becomes more prevalent in our society, some worry that these toxins exert harmful effects on the body. The website Native Remedies cites environmental toxins, sedentary lifestyles and poor diet as contributors to headaches, fatigue and sickness. Cleanses, such as the full body cleanse or colon cleanse, allegedly detoxify the body and reverse the effect of environmental toxins.
Purpose
The purpose of any cleanse is to remove harmful toxins from the body. Most cleanses focus on environmental factors such as food additives, pesticides, air pollutants, processed foods and other unnatural compounds as contributors to general unwellness. Proponents claim undertaking a cleanse diet removes dangerous toxins and restores good health.
Time Frame
The full body cleanse and colon cleanse differ in time length. In general, people who undertake a colon cleanse follow the regimen for three or four days. Full body cleanses, on the other hand, involve more drastic changes in diet and activity. Most proponents of full body cleanses recommend sticking with the cleanse for at least five to seven days to achieve maximum effects.
Features
A colon cleanse involves flushing the colon of all waste products. People undergoing this cleanse begin by eating large amounts of fiber, found in berries, fruits with intact skins, whole wheat products, bran muffins and beans. A colon cleanse also requires intake of large quantities of water to promote frequent bowel movements. In addition to dietary changes, people take a specific colon cleanse product. These often contain herbs that stimulate bowel movements.
Full body cleanses involve cleansing the colon, cleansing the liver, destroying parasites and increasing exercise levels. To cleanse the liver, people eat bitter herbs, vegetables and fruits and avoid alcoholic beverages, according to Body Cleanse Central. To complete the full body cleanse, yogurt containing active cultures replenishes levels of healthy bacteria.
Benefits
Proponents of colon cleanses claim they increase energy, boost immune functions and promote weight loss. The Colon Cleanse website reports that colon cleanses eliminate constipation, acne, headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress and depression. Full body cleanses allegedly restore energy, increase natural immunity, help restore mental balance and increase weight loss.
Warning
While many people undertake colon or full body cleanses to improve health, some cleansing diets are dangerous and harmful to your health. Restrictive diets and stringent colon cleansing programs may deprive your body of valuable nutrients. Before beginning any cleanse, speak to your doctor or a nutritionist. Symptoms of fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, constipation or aches may be the result of a significant medical problem requiring professional attention.
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